Professional Assessment Limited has enshrined the principles of good leadership and accountability, utilising the combined code of governance and the standard articles of association for a limited company.  To support these principles, PAL has engaged with a range of external professionals to form the Advisory Group. The over-arching aim of the group is to provide impartial and different perspectives of the apprenticeship experience and marketplace, support and feed into PAL’s apprenticeship standard reviews and contribute to PAL’s continuous improvement activities.

PAL Advisory Group

  • The advisory group is a key aspect of PAL’s governance structure. The advisory group was founded in 2021 and had its inaugural meeting that September.

    The group’s remit is to balance and challenge the executive directors, bringing their expertise to support PAL in delivering sustainable business results, excellent customer service and a valid and reliable service offer that adds value to our clients.

    The group’s membership is representative of the apprenticeships and FE sector, and the industries we assess in. Members bring insight of current developments in apprenticeships in their sectors. The group understands how the regulatory bodies shape and influence apprenticeships and EPA.

  • Members serve a four-year term in a voluntary capacity.

    The group meets twice yearly, with scope to hold an extraordinary meeting should the need arise. As well as the members, PAL’s directors attend, with the meetings chaired by the Director of Audit and Compliance.

    The agenda covers major corporate developments and insights into key business activities to inform strategy.

    The advisory group supports PAL in expanding our offer and continuously improving the quality, relevance and accessibility of our assessment and funding compliance work. The group also provides counsel for the PAL board on operational, financial, and business planning matters.

    The advisory group acts as a critical friend. Members challenge and probe, and offer advice and opinions based on their expertise.

Meet PAL’s Advisory Group

Paul Kelly, Qualifications Director at Professional Assessment Ltd

Jacqui Molkenthin

Jacqui has worked at the forefront of further and vocational education and apprenticeship policy design, implementation and operational delivery for 25 years. In that time, she has successfully worked with, and within, the public, private and voluntary sector to drive and deliver socio-economic growth.

For the past 8 years, Jacqui has worked specifically with apprenticeships, both designing apprenticeship standards, and setting up and managing a successful end-point assessment organisation.

Since 2018, Jacqui has worked as an independent consultant supporting new entrants to the end-point assessment market, supporting existing EPAOs to grow and develop, and to drive quality and compliance across end-point assessment.

Paul Kelly, Qualifications Director at Professional Assessment Ltd

Lindsey Appleby-Flynn

Lindsey’s most recent roles include Head of Design & Development for Cera. Cera is a large, digital-first healthcare-at-home company. Lindsey manages the design and development of learning for the business. Her present role is the Head of Learning and Development Children Services at CareTech.

Lindsey is also a director of a small apprenticeship provider in the North West that Cera owns and is responsible for all governance aspects of their business.

Lindsey is also an active member of the adult care trailblazer group, and she co-chairs the children and young people’s trailblazer group, and is a City & Guilds employer reference group member.

Previously, Lindsey has worked in learning and development in many different roles, all relating primarily to the health and social care sector. Before that, Lindsay worked in both community and forensic mental health.

Paul Kelly, Qualifications Director at Professional Assessment Ltd

Alistair Sandall

Alistair brings an exceptional breadth of experience in hospitality, having worked across the industry in the UK and abroad. A graduate of what is now West London University, he began his career with Concord Hotels. He cemented his hotel experience through managerial roles, including over twenty years as a general manager. During this time, Alistair excelled in hotel openings and refurbishments, establishing himself as a leader in operational excellence.

Alistair has a wealth of experience in hospitality management, including:

  • 20 years as a Hotel General Manager
  • 5 years as a senior Hotel and Restaurant Inspector / Commercial Manager with the AA (Automobile Association).
  • 4 years as Head of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality
  • 18 months – to date: freelance hospitality consultant

Alistair is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, a Tourism Society member, and the Midlands region committee Treasurer. He also chairs the UK Hospitality Heart of England committee. He contributes his expertise as a member of advisory boards for Professional Assessment Limited and the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality.

Alistair has recently been appointed as the Executive Secretary at the Master Innholders. This role is vital for bringing educational programmes, such as the Innholder Scholarships and Aspiring Leaders Diploma, to life. While much of the hard work happens behind the scenes, this role ensures the smooth organisation and management of these initiatives.

Paul Kelly, Qualifications Director at Professional Assessment Ltd

Alyson Robson

Alyson is a highly experienced and inspiring leader who has been at the forefront of the Further Education sector for more than 20 years. Having built a career in schools, colleges, training providers and with employers, Alyson has a solid understanding of apprenticeships. Alyson has strategically led and managed everything from funding and compliance through to quality of delivery.

Previously a board member for People 1st, Alyson played an integral role in the development of the apprenticeship standards and the implementation of the levy system. In addition, Alyson played a role in the pilot scheme for seasonal apprenticeships and acted as a voice to Government.

PAL is committed to engaging with stakeholders and suppliers to address the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.

Get in touch

If you have any questions on Professional Assessment or would like to hear more about the process, please get in touch.

All queries will be responded to within three working days.

Call us on 0800 160 1899

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